the project

Inspired by Beatriz De Costa's Anti-Cancer Tool Kit at Parsons, as part of the Art Environment Action art exhibit, Anandi Premlall was inspired to explore the idea of co-creating an anti-cancer garden in her community of Richmond Hill, Queens.

The kinds of Power Plants we want in our community!

We're growing cancer wellness plants as a way to create wellness and a healing space for loved ones who have cancer and have lost the battle with cancer.

the steps

Even though Queens is the largest in area of the five boroughs of New York City, we are lacking in community gardens. There are only 6 in the BQLT, 4 with NYRP, 3 with GrowNYC, and only 5% of GreenThumb NYC community gardens are in Queens.

The space we want to create this garden on is city-owned land which has been vacant for over 25 years.

We are working with Green Thumb and NYC Dept. of Parks, including some some help from 596 Acres and Brooklyn Queens Land Trust to transform this 2,075 square foot empty lot into a healing garden for our community.

​Once we secure this land, we will need funding to build the garden, import healthy soil, build raised beds and vertical planters, provide shelter, tables and seating, create educational labels and kiosks, an area for storing tools, purchase of plants and workshops that will be held at the garden, miscellanious garden expenses, skilled labor, educators, etc. We will be getting our hands dirty, building together, growing together and healing together.

​In this cancer wellness garden we will grow 50 different herbs, flowers and plants, as well as cultivate inspiring conversations about cancer wellness.

If you are resident of Richmond Hill, a business owner, or part of an organization in the neighborhood, please write us a letter of support and send via .pdf to SustyQ​@gmail.com​.

Thank you! We appreciate your support :)

why we're doing it

We are inspired to create a new green space to offer physical, spiritual, and emotional healing for the community. A place where you can find solace and meditate or learn about cancer wellness.

We’re planning to have 50 different plants including flowers, veggies, herbs and trees that have cancer-fighting properties. We also want to publish a book about these plants and share stories of cancer survivors.

about the project leader

SustyQ is a local grassroots movement mobilizing artists and activists by inspiring leadership and visible efforts in South Queens. See full profile »

Volunteers Needed!

This project's leader is looking for volunteers to help out:

Anyone interested in donating time, resources or services can reach us at sustyq@gmail.com with "SustyQ Volunteer" in the subject. To volunteer for specific events and activities, please arrive on time, and ready with comfortable footwear, a refillable bottle, and clothes you don't mind getting dirty.

“The 462 Halsey Community Garden would not be as far along as it is without the fund raising help of ioby. They were so helpful and accommodating, utilizing their fiscal sponsorship allowed us to save money on buying supplies!”